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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks / Ballard Locks

3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA | Map it  

98107 47.667601 -122.397100

(206) 783-7059

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My Rating

This year-round, water-bound spectacle is simple in concept and complex in design.

Features

Neighborhoods:
Ballard, Adams
Categories:
Free Attractions, Attractions

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Reviews for Hiram M. Chittenden Locks / Ballard Locks

Paidneff

Member since Sep, 2008 View Profile
10Reviews
0Photos
Joined 4 years ago
4.0
November 08, 2008

Great spot to relax. I've never been to the locks on the weekend so I'm not sure how crowded they get, but during a weekday this place is great. I love to go down and watch the boats and the birds. Its got a great calm feeling about it. The surrounding area is pretty and well maintained, good for a walk on a sunny afternoon. Seeing the locks in action always takes me back to middle school science class and I enjoy that everytime. Check it out!

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gakester8

Member since Nov, 2007 View Profile
80Reviews
0Photos
Joined 5 years ago
5.0
July 20, 2008

Fun to see in action. I recently went there with my parents and we enjoyed watching the locks open/close, fill/empty and see the seagulls in action, eating. Be prepared for the stench when you walk over from the locks to the salmon ladder. We did see salmon in one ladder, but never saw one switch from one ladder to the next. The free visitor's center has a small amount of interesting exhibits (the hands-on ones all seemed broken), a small gift shop, and a short film.They offer free, guided tours, but we did not take one. If you park on the Ballard side of the locks you have to walk partially through the Botanical Gardens/park to get to the locks. The park was not crowded and it would be a good spot to have a picnic.

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kee22

Member since Nov, 2006 View Profile
200Reviews
0Photos
Joined 6 years ago
5.0
November 19, 2006

Visit the Locks!. I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical before I went...it just sounded like some dumb locks that salmon jump...but it is worth the trip. It is a lot more interesting than what I thought. The visiting center is nice...and the area is beautiful. It's definately worth the trip..especially if you are a tourist.

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Contributor

Member since Aug, 2003 View Profile
1k+Reviews
0Photos
Joined 9 years ago
4.0
May 02, 2006

A short drive from downtown, this water-bound spectacle is a great place to get the feel for Seattle's maritime life.. The Experience
Pass a sunny day watching boats of all shapes and sizes come into the locks separating Puget Sound from the fresh waters of Salmon Bay. Those seeking relaxation anchor themselves to blankets and lawn chairs, while the adventurous head to the fish ladder. This underwater viewing gallery makes it possible to view salmon navigating their way back to their spawning grounds. Occasionally, a clever sea lion will hang out, waiting for his next meal.

Facts
For the historically-minded, the locks' official name is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and they were built in 1911 so that coal and timber could be easily transported by boat.

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gonefishingagain

Member since Jun, 2004 View Profile
2Reviews
0Photos
Joined 8 years ago
5.0
July 19, 2004

Want to relax?. Bring a picnic and dont forget to stop by the visitors center and the rose garden. You might just see someone famous going through the locks. Plan to spend hours here, you will be amazed at how fast the time goes by.

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